The Ultimate Guide to the Best Luxury Cars of 2026: Top Picks, Expert Ratings, and Models to Avoid

If you’ve reached a point in life where a luxury car is on your radar, you’re faced with a broader and more diverse range of options than ever before. Whether your preference leans toward the traditional opulence of a chauffeur-driven limousine or the commanding presence and versatility of a modern luxury SUV, the choices are plentiful. But what truly defines the ultimate luxury car? According to extensive data from luxury car buyers, the most critical attributes are comfort and refinement. This translates to a cabin crafted from top-notch materials, seats that provide sanctuary after a long day, and a whisper-quiet ride that makes motorway journeys feel effortless.

Identifying the best luxury cars is a demanding task, but it’s one that our team of expert road testers is uniquely qualified to handle. We’ve spent countless hours behind the wheel of every significant luxury model on the market, evaluating them across hundreds of miles on public roads and pitting them against key rivals back-to-back at our private test track. The result is this definitive guide to the 10 best luxury cars you can buy in 2026, complete with the models that truly excel and the one we recommend you avoid.

The Best Luxury Cars to Buy Now: Our Top 10 Ranked

1. BMW X7: The Reigning Champion

You might expect a traditional limousine to top this list, but the BMW X7 deserves its place as our reigning Luxury Car of the Year. It masterfully combines the family-friendly practicality of an SUV with the sumptuous luxury you’d typically find in a dedicated limousine. It’s a vehicle you’ll love to drive, and your passengers will love being in.

Strengths:

• Supremely quiet and comfortable on any road surface.
• Incredibly spacious and practical, even for tall adults in the third row.
• Fabulous interior quality with materials built to last.

Weaknesses:

• There are cheaper alternatives, though few match its all-around ability.
• Its bold styling may not appeal to everyone.
• No plug-in hybrid or fully electric option is currently available.

The X7 is one of the most comfortable cars on the market, whether you’re driving or being driven. The recommended 40i petrol engine delivers smooth, powerful progress, dispatching 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds without being ruinously expensive to run. For rear-seat passengers, the legroom and headroom are palatial, even for those well over six feet tall. Everything inside feels robust, and it’s packed with the latest technology. To find an interior that rivals the X7’s, you’d need to spend considerably more on a Bentley Bentayga. While it isn’t cheap to buy and lacks an electrified option, its overall excellence makes it the ultimate luxury car.

2. BMW i7: The Electric Limousine Redefined

Electric cars are proving to be exceptional luxury vehicles, and the BMW i7 is a prime example. It offers a lavish, tech-filled interior, incredibly hushed driving manners, and an impressive official range of up to 387 miles. For those being chauffeured, it features an enormous 31-inch 8K touchscreen that lowers from the headliner and two supremely comfortable rear lounge seats with a massage function.

Strengths:

• A stunning, high-tech interior.
• The optional 8K cinema screen is a game-changer for rear-seat entertainment.
• Extremely comfortable for all occupants.

Weaknesses:

• Desirable options, like the rear-seat screen, are very expensive.
• The boot has a comparatively small opening.

If you prefer to drive, the i7 is equally impressive, accelerating from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds. Its real-world range of around 300 miles is slightly less than some rivals like the Mercedes EQS, but for most, it’s more than sufficient. The i7 is a limousine designed for being driven, with its 5.4-meter length dedicated to providing VIPs in the back with acres of space.

3. BMW X5: The Smaller, Sportier Sibling

The BMW X5 takes much of what we love about the larger X7 and translates it into a more manageable package that fits on most driveways. While diesel versions are available, the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e is the standout choice for both company car drivers and private buyers. It combines a punchy 3.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 482bhp and achieving 0-62mph faster than a Range Rover Sport or Volvo XC90.

Strengths:

• A fantastic plug-in hybrid version with a punchy powertrain.
• Great to drive, with a fine balance of comfort and agility.
• The PHEV offers a good electric-only range of up to 62 miles (official WLTP).

Weaknesses:

• You can’t have seven seats with the plug-in hybrid version.
• Third-row seating is an extra cost on non-PHEV models.
• There are more spacious and practical rivals.

Choosing the plug-in hybrid also brings an official electric-only range of 62 miles, which, even in real-world conditions, could be enough for most daily commutes. While the rear bench comfortably seats two tall adults, opting for the PHEV removes the ability to configure the X5 as a seven-seater.

4. Audi Q7: The Refined All-Rounder

The Audi Q7 has been a favourite in the luxury SUV class since its debut. The latest model continues as a great all-rounder, offering a supremely comfortable ride and excellent agility for such a large vehicle. All versions come with standard air suspension, ensuring ride quality is a priority. The Q7’s interior is among the roomiest and plushest in the class, with slightly more legroom than a BMW X5 or Land Rover Discovery.

Strengths:

• Smooth, powerful engine options.
• A pillowy ride in Sport and S line trims.
• A superb interior with impeccable build quality.

Weaknesses:

• The infotainment system relies heavily on touch-sensitive controls with few physical buttons.
• Third-row space is better in the BMW X7.
• Some desirable safety equipment is optional.

All Q7s come with seven seats as standard, though the ones in the BMW X7 are a bit more comfortable, especially for third-row occupants. Even in the most opulent Vorsprung trim, with its leather-wrapped dashboard and Alcantara roof lining, the Q7’s interior remains tastefully conservative.

5. Range Rover Sport: The Dynamic Alternative

The Range Rover Sport proves that the best luxury car isn’t always the most expensive. It delivers much of what makes the full-size Range Rover exceptional—a commanding driving position, a luxurious interior, a cosseting ride, and impressive off-road ability—at a more accessible price point. It also handles better than its larger sibling, though it’s not quite as sporty as a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne.

Strengths:

• Offers many “big” Range Rover qualities for a lower price.
• Incredible off-road capability and comfortable on-road manners.
• The plug-in hybrid versions offer a fantastic electric range.

Weaknesses:

• There are cheaper luxury SUVs available.
• Rivals like the BMW X5 are sharper to drive.
• No seven-seat option is available.

Our recommended D300 diesel model features a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with ample power, reaching 62mph in 6.6 seconds. We’d pair it with Dynamic SE trim, which adds attractive styling touches to the already comprehensive entry-level SE version, which includes keyless entry, two-zone climate control, and a plush leather interior.

6. Range Rover: The Icon of Prestige

The latest, fifth-generation Range Rover needs no introduction. It enhances every element of its predecessor with an even more upmarket interior, improved technology, and a largely comfortable ride. It now comes in two lengths—standard and long-wheelbase (LWB)—with the latter offering a seven-seat option.

Strengths:

• A fabulous, commanding driving position.
• Fantastic off-road ability that remains class-leading.
• Useful seven-seat versatility with the LWB model.

Weaknesses:

• Very expensive, even in entry-level forms.
• Reliability is a historical concern for the brand.
• More physical controls for the infotainment system would be preferable.

The entry-level D300 diesel is the smart choice for private buyers, offering respectable performance. The only cause for concern is Land Rover’s historical reliability record. However, the previous generation proved to be the third-most reliable luxury car in our annual Reliability Survey, offering some hope for the latest model.

7. Bentley Bentayga: The Ultra-Luxury Performance SUV

Bentley is renowned for producing beautifully crafted luxury cars that are also exceptional to drive, and the Bentayga continues that tradition. It offers a great sense of occasion, brilliant refinement, and impressive levels of comfort and performance. While it shares underpinnings with the Audi Q7, the similarities end there.

Strengths:

• A beautiful, hand-finished interior with exquisite materials.
• Effortless performance from its V8 and V6 plug-in hybrid engines.
• An impressive infotainment system loaded with useful features.

Weaknesses:

• The automatic gearbox can feel laggy in urban driving.
• High running costs for fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
• Average boot space for such a large SUV.

The Bentayga features a hand-finished interior and a large infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and real-time navigation. The Bentayga S’s sports exhaust does a fantastic job of transforming the V8 engine’s character, making it even more engaging to drive.

8. BMW iX: The Serene Electric Cruiser

If you value silence above all else, the BMW iX will feel like home. It’s seriously comfortable inside, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. But its standout feature is its incredible quietness, thanks to a combination of electric power and extensive sound-deadening materials. The entry-level xDrive45 version is the most sensible choice, offering a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds and an official range of 374 miles.

Strengths:

• One of the quietest cars we have ever tested.
• A spacious, luxurious, and modern interior.
• A great infotainment system with a striking curved display.

Weaknesses:

• Air suspension is only standard on the top-spec M70 model.
• The air-conditioning controls on the touchscreen can be fiddly.
• Quicker depreciation than some key rivals.

While you can’t order the iX as a seven-seater, that means more space is available for second-row passengers, who can sit three abreast without complaint. The only notable disappointment is the boot, which isn’t very big for this class, and the electric tailgate doesn’t open very high.

9. Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The Technology Leader

The Mercedes S-Class has long been the benchmark for luxury saloons, and the latest model is packed with more technology than ever. It’s a comfortable and exceedingly well-appointed vehicle, especially for rear-seat passengers. The standard air suspension provides a more graceful ride than a BMW 7 Series.

Strengths:

• A fantastic plug-in hybrid version with a substantial electric range.
• The ride is mostly very comfortable, gliding over most surfaces.
• Loads of space, especially in the rear with the long-wheelbase version.

Weaknesses:

• Overly reliant on fiddly touch-sensitive controls for key functions.
• The entry-level diesel engine isn’t as smooth as the Audi A8’s.
• Mercedes’ reliability record isn’t the best among luxury brands.

The S580e plug-in hybrid is our favourite model, boasting a real-world electric range of up to 63 miles. We’d also opt for the stretched L version for the added interior room. The S-Class uses driver profiles that recall your preferences via facial or fingerprint recognition when you get in.

10. Audi A8: The Serene and Well-Heeled Saloon

The Audi A8’s blend of performance, comfort, and serenity is wedded to a beautifully built, practical, and well-equipped interior. By a narrow margin, it surpasses its chief rival, the Mercedes S-Class, for those who value being driven in ultimate luxury. It’s available in standard-wheelbase form or as a stretched long-wheelbase L model, which we prefer for the additional rear legroom.

Strengths:

• An extremely comfortable, cosseting ride.
• A spacious interior and a generous boot.
• Class-leading interior quality with a focus on solidity and fit-and-finish.

Weaknesses:

• Expensive to run in terms of depreciation.
• The plug-in hybrid has a shorter electric range than the S-Class PHEV.
• The automatic gearbox can be slightly dim-witted in stop-start traffic.

Whether sitting in the back or front, you can’t fail to notice the sumptuous fit and finish of the A8’s interior. It may not be as flashy as some alternatives, but it is certainly the most well-heeled and feels built to last. The only frustration is the screen-based climate controls, which look swish but are tricky to use on the move.

And the Luxury Car to Avoid: Mercedes G-Class

While the Mercedes G-Class has a unique, iconic style and a cult following, it falls short of the standards set by the models above. Its interior is very well made, but plenty of rivals are far better to drive and more practical for everyday use. Its on-road manners are compromised by its off-road-focused design, and its fuel economy is poor.

How to Choose a Luxury Car

Luxury cars need to tick several boxes to justify their typically six-figure price tags. They must seat occupants in supreme comfort, implement the latest technology, and offer a supple ride. However, there are disadvantages that go beyond the initial purchase price.

Think About What You Want from Your Car

Whether you choose a saloon or an SUV, you won’t be short on room. However, given the significant investment, luxury cars must feature a particularly plush interior with the highest quality leathers, woods, and metals. Physical controls should feel solid and sturdy. Luxury cars are also among the best-equipped on the road, often featuring technology not seen on other cars, such as OLED touchscreens and advanced driver assistance systems. This level of luxury comes at a cost, with maintenance, fuel, and insurance bills all likely to be higher than for a non-luxury model.

Is a Luxury Car Good to Drive?

The main appeal is their impressive level of comfort. Most luxury cars use adaptive or air suspension to travel over bumps while keeping passengers cosseted. They are also exceptionally quiet, with noise from the wind, tyres, and engine kept to a minimum. In SUV form, many are also very capable off-road, with four-wheel drive and ample ground clearance for tackling rough terrain.

What Are Luxury Cars Like to Live With?

Due to their size and weight, luxury cars aren’t great for fuel economy, especially those with large petrol V8s or V12s. Diesel-powered models are generally more efficient but don’t always offer the same level of performance. On the other hand, electric luxury cars offer some of the longest ranges on the market, with many capable of over 400 miles on a single charge. They can also cost considerably less to run, particularly if you can charge at home on a low off-peak electricity tariff.

Are Luxury Cars Reliable?

Despite being packed with complex features, luxury cars are no less reliable than other types of cars. Our latest Reliability Survey found they achieved an average score of 91.1%. However, spare parts for luxury cars are generally more expensive, so repairs can be costly if not covered under warranty.

Should I Buy a Luxury Car?

Buy one if:

• You want a car with a very high level of standard equipment.
• You need ample room for passengers and luggage.
• Your top priority is a comfortable, serene ride.

Don’t buy one if:

• You prioritize good fuel economy.
• You are on a tight budget, as running costs are high.
• You want a car with low depreciation.

How We Choose the Best Luxury Cars

Our assessments cover dozens of tests, placing particular emphasis on the factors most important to luxury car buyers. We weight our criteria using data from over 20,000 car owners who complete our annual reader survey. For luxury cars, the three most important factors are perceived quality, build quality, and ride comfort.

• Quality: A luxury car interior must be trimmed in the finest materials and finished with a plethora of soft-touch trim. All controls and switches need to feel solid and have a nice action when used.
• Ride Comfort: We test all models on a variety of surfaces and at a range of speeds to determine the most comfortable versions.
• Refinement: We use a sound level meter to measure decibels generated at 30mph and 70mph, measuring wind, tyre, road, and powertrain noise.

FAQs

What is a luxury car?
Luxury cars were traditionally large saloons like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes S-Class. However, the success of the Range Rover spurred the rise of luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7, BMW X7, and Mercedes G-Class. Today, the segment also includes many pure electric luxury cars like the Audi Q8 e-tron and BMW iX.

What is the most luxurious car?
The Rolls Royce Cullinan is widely considered the most luxurious car. It masterfully blends traditional and modern design with huge slabs of wood and expertly stitched leather, alongside a user-friendly BMW-sourced infotainment system. The Bentley Bentayga is a close second.

Which luxury car brand is best?
There are many excellent luxury car brands, including Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes, and Volvo. For those seeking even greater opulence, brands like Bentley, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce are top-tier, though they command a much higher price.

Which luxury car is most reliable?
The Lexus RX (2016-2022) was the top-rated luxury car in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey. Our data showed hardly any RX models went wrong, and any repairs were covered entirely by Lexus. This experience is typical for the Japanese brand, which consistently ranks among the most reliable.

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